The Denver Broncos came into Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers and took care of business at home, defeating the Panthers 28-14 at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos move to two games over .500, at 5-3, going into a difficult upcoming stretch.
Following Sunday’s win, here are the team’s studs and duds from Week 8.
Stud: QB Bo Nix
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had a career day, going 28-of-37 for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Nix made several impressive throws to thread the needle between defenders. Nix took care of the ball, with no turnovers. Nix also added a rushing touchdown to add to this big day.
Dud: Fumbles
The Broncos coughed up the ball twice; on their first offensive drive and on their final offensive drive. The fumbles came from wide receivers Courtland Sutton in the fourth quarter and Lil’Jordan Humphrey in the first quarter. Both turnovers led to Carolina touchdowns.
Stud: CB Ja'Quan McMillian
Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian recorded his first interception of 2024 against the Panthers in the red zone, continuing his streak of big plays. The undrafted player out of East Carolina has been a huge playmaker for the Denver defense that ranks at or near the top of nearly every statistical category in the league.
Good to see him back: CB Pat Surtain
In Surtain’s return to game action after two weeks on the injured list, he showed his potential as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, recording his third interception of the season against Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Surtain also was on the wrong end of Carolina’s first touchdown reception on a short field. Perhaps some rust. Regardless, it’s great to have PS2 back on the field.
Stud: Opening the playbook
Broncos head coach Sean Payton really opened up the playbook against the Panthers with trick plays. Payton attempted a fake field goal early in the fourth quarter that netted three yards on 4th-and-8. On Denver’s last drive, the Broncos successfully executed a double-pass from Sutton to fullback Michael Burton. The Broncos looked like they were having a ball against the Panthers, and Payton was feeling it too.
The Broncos now embark on a two-game road trip against top AFC contender Baltimore Ravens next Sunday, and the still-undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9.
